Mood Boards and Inspiration Files

If you put 10 people in a room and could show the images that popped into each brain as you said some of the terms that we commonly use to describe design styles, colors, etc. it would be amazing to see how varied those images would be! In my first design-related job as a design consultant at a furniture store, I learned very quickly not to rely too much on a client's description of what their design style was for that very reason. A picture is most definitely worth a thousand words...

Enter the mood board/inspiration file. This isn't a new concept, of course, but I think some people may feel that this is for decorators/designers only. Not. It's definitely helpful for anyone designing a new space to create a mood board or inspiration file, whether or not they will be working with a decorator/designer. The mood board I'm referring to is the most random, least structured of all mood boards. The one with no pressure to do it "right". Just a few quick points...

Mood Board by Jeni Hilpipre-Wright
BHG Window & Wall Ideas Spring/Summer 2007

Photographer Kim Cornelison

1. The items shouldn't be analyzed at this point - just chosen because you're drawn to them.


2. Never discount anything because you think you already have "too much" in the file. Eventually, you'll pare it down but, to begin with, you can never have too many things because you don't know what ultimately will "stick".


3. Obvious things that could be included are room photos and furniture, paint, fabric and accessory options that appeal to you, but nothing is off limits. Maybe it's a photo of something completely unrelated to decorating but you love the color, or texture, or shape... If you like it, include it.

Once these inspiration items have been collected over time, you will more clearly define your style/color/mood by weeding the items out. This may be easy for you to do, or this may be the point that you call your decorator/designer. Either way, you'll have clearly defined your style for yourself, or the person you are relying on to make your dream room a reality.

Tomorrow I'll post a "Fall Family Room" mood board that I did, just for fun.

The GIVEAWAY ends this Sunday, October 11th.

Mood Board Monday with MckLinky is this Monday, October 12th!

Oh. I'm sorry. Did I just hear them say POSSIBLE SNOW SHOWERS on my TV news? Seriously? :-( It's a good thing I'm done with this post because it's extremely difficult to type with your fingers in your ears.

Hope you're all having an awesome day!